Never Mind the Heir, I’ll Focus on Healing

The first thought that crossed my mind was, “This is insane.”

Even though it was covered, I could tell. This shillings Store.

The prices were outrageous.

“Why is that key a hundred thousand shillings when it’s old?”

Shouldn’t something be cheaper if it’s worn out?

It felt like discovering that a tattered piece of clothing actually costs hundreds of thousands of won.

But was I disappointed?

Not at all.

leon switched from the “Living” tab to the “Food” tab.

[Magic Seasoning A]

■ Ten thousand shillings

[Magic Seasoning B]

■ Ten thousand shillings (MD Recommended!)

The situation was the same.

Some mere seasoning was priced in the tens of thousands.

It was definitely a moment to be frustrated, yet, strangely, a smile formed on leon’s face.

“This is…”

It was clear.

This was just like the early In the World cash shop settings!

To be precise, it was an NPC’s perception of a cash shop.

The so-called “Suspicious Store” in the game sold strange items at absurd prices.

But the players, or rather, the “heroes,” were supposed to carefully choose the mystical items that suited their circumstances.

This concept had faded with updates over time, but the “setting” itself had remained and was now reflected in this way.

Anyway—

“That means these items all have some sort of function.”

leon grinned and closed the Shillings Store window.

For now, he couldn’t know exactly what each item did.

But he had confirmed that it wasn’t just selling useless junk.

“Alright.”

He just needed to slowly save up money and buy everything.

leon basked in the sunlight filtering through the curtains, enjoying the moment.

It was a peaceful noon.

“But I feel like I’m forgetting something…”

—Ah. Grandpa.

* * *

And since that morning…

Patrick, the head of the Asteri family and leon’s grandfather, had been—

“…….”

Waiting for leon, postponing even his luncheon with the Emperor.

Because his first grandchild was visiting.

Who cares about the Emperor?

Seeing his grandson’s face was far more important.

Since his grandson was slow-moving and his thoughts could drift in unexpected directions, Patrick never expected him to come right away yesterday.

However—

“He’s late.”

Patrick spoke with an indifferent tone, but Sylvia, his aide, knew better.

He was secretly worried that something might have happened to his grandson.

“Truly, he’s become a completely different person.”

Watching him, Sylvia thought to herself.

In the past, Patrick had ruled the continent alongside the “Hero” with his cold judgment and immense magical power.

But that man was nowhere to be seen now.

No doubt, even at this moment, he was debating in his mind:

“Should I scold him for not visiting often?””Should I praise him for persevering as the heir of the Asteri family?””No… I must maintain the dignity of the family head…!”

“His health has been fine.”

“Then why isn’t he here yet…!”

Patrick finally raised his voice in frustration.

“What’s so important about that damn potion?”

“At least he’s trying to do something.”

“With such a weak body, what does he hope to achieve? Tsk, if he’d just rest—”

This old man could make sure he never has to worry about food or survival!

“It’s not like we lack money! Or power!”

The one who led the war against the Demonic Tribe to victory, standing at the forefront alongside the Hero, was none other than Patrick Asteria.

Even before that, the Asteria family was so powerful that even the imperial family dared not interfere.

If they had desired, they could have founded their own kingdom, separate from the ducal houses.

Yet, the reason they remained neither dukes nor grand dukes was simply that they had no interest in deeply involving themselves in politics.

However, his eldest grandson was constantly engaging in strange behavior for reasons Patrick could not fathom.

‘This is giving me a headache.’

He even thought that the second mana shock had been preferable.

At least back then, the boy had only shut himself in and read books, so there was no worry about him getting hurt.

But after experiencing the third, he suddenly took to pulling up grass.

This won’t do.

No matter how he thought about it, his grandson didn’t seem to have the health or stamina to be wandering about outside.

“It’s only natural that you’re worried, Marquess.”

“…Worried? Who’s worried?”

Honestly, that hit the mark.

Patrick was more concerned for his grandson than anyone else.

“This is the third time.”

The atmosphere in the room instantly became heavy.

Mana shock.

The lucky ones who experienced it awakened as mages and embarked on a new life.

The unlucky ones—those who failed to awaken—died.

The fact that Leon had survived three times made him an exceptionally rare and extraordinary case.

Naturally, the entire family was worried about him.

On top of that—

“It hasn’t even been long since the second shock.”

Most people never experienced one in their lifetime.

Yet, Leon had gone through it three times, with the intervals between each occurrence shortening.

There was no precedent for this, and there likely never would be.

For most, it was decided in a single event.

“Even so, he seemed to be enjoying himself.”

“What’s the point of enjoyment in the face of death… Haah.”

Patrick knew it. This was his selfishness.

He wanted Leon to live a little longer, a little healthier.

But he couldn’t use that as an excuse to take away what made his grandson happy.

Besides, if he scolded him, the boy would only shrink back in fear.

His grandson was already timid and frail—he didn’t want to stress him out any further.

That was why, instead of visiting him directly, he simply summoned him from time to time, suppressing the urge to check on him more frequently…!

“Haah. So, he said he was making potions? When did he learn alchemy?”

“He may be overshadowed by Lord Riquetiel, but his learning ability is quite remarkable. Alchemy doesn’t require mana, so it’s a reasonable pursuit.”

“Hm.”

Patrick let out a quiet breath, still unconvinced.

‘It’s dangerous.’

What if he accidentally handled poisonous herbs?

“I checked the herbs he gathered, and none were harmful. He hasn’t placed any special orders for medicinal plants either, so you needn’t worry.”

“Well, that’s a relief.”

At that moment—

Knock, knock.

A servant gently rapped on the door.

“My lord, the eldest young master has arrived.”

“….”

At those words, Patrick immediately stood up and exchanged glances with Sylvia.

“Please, have a seat.”

Sylvia whispered softly as she straightened Patrick’s slightly disheveled attire.

“Ahem. Let him in.”

Patrick forced himself to maintain a composed voice as he granted permission.

“You called for me?”

Leon entered the room nonchalantly.

‘Indeed.’

Unlike before, his expression was bright. He even looked somewhat healthier.

And…

“Hm?”

Patrick furrowed his brows slightly as he observed Leon.

Something felt different.

His demeanor had changed subtly since experiencing the third mana shock.

He wasn’t anxiously gauging others’ reactions or trying to brush things off with forced smiles anymore.

“It’s been a while.”

At Patrick’s sharp remark, Sylvia sighed inwardly.

‘He’s going to regret that later.’

Patrick Asteria had a rather troublesome habit.

He was incapable of expressing himself honestly.

That was why, at critical moments, he always ended up speaking in a twisted manner.

And considering the overwhelming presence of an 8th-circle grand mage, most people naturally shrank back in his presence.

Leon should be the same…

“I was busy, so I was a little late, Grandfather.”

“…!”

Normally, he would have answered in a subdued manner.

But this time was different.

He wasn’t just pretending not to be affected—he was genuinely composed.

Something had changed.

“I knew you were worried about me while I was unconscious.”

His posture? His expression?

No, it was something deeper than that.

“After experiencing this third mana shock, I’ve been thinking a lot. As you know, it was my third time.”

“…!”

Patrick was visibly surprised.

It was understandable. Mana shock was a topic Leon had always avoided.

It was practically his sorest wound.

So much so that everyone who knew about it refrained from mentioning it in front of him.

‘And yet, he’s bringing it up himself…’

The mere mention of “mana shock” had become an emotional trigger, drawing both Patrick and Sylvia into Leon’s words.

“I have no talent for magic.”

“Young master….”

“It’s alright, Sylvia. It’s the truth.”

Leon spoke of his own life in a way that was surprisingly brief, yet longer than usual.

“But I didn’t want to be useless. I refused to accept it. So, I thought, and I studied. And today.”

Leon pulled out a small vial from his coat and placed it before Patrick.

“You made this yourself, young master?”

“Yes. That’s why I asked for one more day. I thought Grandfather must have been very tired lately.”

At Leon’s response, Sylvia’s lips parted slightly in surprise.

‘He may have studied alchemy, but…’

He had never actually made a potion before.

Yet, more than that, he had done this out of concern for Patrick.

‘How kind-hearted he is.’

He had every reason to focus solely on himself.

He lived with the constant uncertainty of when another mana shock might strike.

And yet, he still thought of others. His family…!

Sylvia quickly composed herself.

“That’s truly remarkable, young master. To think you made a potion for the Marquess.”

“…”

“I’m sure he’ll be delighted.”

Patrick looked at the potion before him.

‘For me…’

Leon’s sentiment was clear. And he was grateful.

It was touching… but also somewhat perplexing.

Patrick had long surpassed human limits.

Poisons strong enough to kill a normal person had no effect on him.

By that same logic, potions wouldn’t work either.

‘Though I do appreciate the thought.’

It was unlikely to have any effect on him.

He had to ensure Leon wouldn’t be hurt by that fact.

“So, is that all?”

“Yes.”

“Very well. You may go.”

“I made it for you, Grandfather. Please drink it when you have time.”

Leon left with a bright expression until the very end, closing the door behind him.

It had only been five minutes. No, not even three.

Click.

As soon as the door closed, Sylvia and Patrick turned their attention to the potion before them.

“Judging by the color, it looks like a mana potion.”

“But I can’t sense any mana from it.”

“I feel like I’ve seen something like this before.”

Swish—

When the potion was shaken, there were no sediments—only a clear, transparent blue liquid swayed inside the bottle.

‘This is quite sophisticated.’

No matter how good one’s equipment was, potions weren’t something that could be perfected overnight unless one had deep knowledge of both alchemy and pharmacology.

Sylvia glanced at Patrick from the corner of her eye before asking quietly.

“Should we analyze it, just in case?”

“…No, I can already tell it’s not dangerous. I’d rather fully appreciate my grandson’s sincerity.”

As expected.

Sylvia hid a small smile, set the potion down, and gave a slight bow.

“Then this old lady will step out for a moment.”

Click.

“Ahem.”

Only after Sylvia left did Patrick’s face reveal a hint of genuine joy.

Not that it changed much—his usual frown had merely softened slightly.

“I can’t even remember the last time I received a gift from Leon.”

A long time ago.

Back when Leon Asteria had only just started walking and talking, he had picked a wildflower from the garden and handed it to Patrick.

That had been the last time.

‘Back then, we were all together.’

For some reason, this potion reminded him of the deep blue sky from that day.

“I must be getting old.”

Getting sentimental over old memories.

Patrick chuckled to himself and uncorked the potion bottle.

It felt like a waste to drink something with no clear effect, but he also couldn’t let a gift from his grandson go to waste.

He brought the bottle to his lips and slowly swallowed the blue liquid.

A refreshingly cool scent filled his senses.

His mind felt at peace.

And then, he drifted into a short nap.

And in that sleep, he dreamed.

A dream so brief, yet so sweet.

“…”

A dream of a time he had longed for.

Yet, it didn’t leave him feeling empty or sorrowful. Instead, it was soothing—so much so that even the constant headache that plagued him seemed to fade.

Patrick gazed out the window and murmured,

“You really take after her, don’t you? Yes, you do.”

For quite some time, he simply watched the endless blue sky before speaking again.

“Yes. I can’t just keep him locked away because he’s unwell.”

I should let the boy do whatever he wants.

And…

“If there’s a way to prevent mana shock, then that’s all there is to it.”

Patrick made up his mind.

Completely unaware that Leon’s body had already changed—capable now of sensing mana.

At any rate, Leon’s attempt to win over his grandfather had been a success.

The only issue?

The household servants had no idea what had changed in Patrick’s mind.

Nor did they know what had happened to Leon’s body.

The only thing they knew was:

Leon Asteria collapsed and woke up looking deathly ill!

Then he went out and plucked some grass!

Then he made a potion!

And gave it to Lord Patrick as a gift!

…Why?

…Was it a farewell gift?!

Naturally, rumors spread like wildfire throughout the mansion.

“Leon Asteria is dying!”